Viktor and Spoils

The Lower East Side (LES) is one of my favorite neighborhoods in NYC.  It has that gritty "New York" feeling to it and there are endless dining and drinking options.  One of my preferred little spots is Viktor and Spoils located in the Hotel on Rivington located on Rivington and Ludlow.  You enter through a long hallway into a small-ish bar/lounge area. I usually frequent this place on weeknights only and it is always a great crowd.





Being that it is a Taqueria and Tequila Bar the Tequila cocktails are amazing.  One of my favorite aspects of this place is that I usually just ask the bartender to "surprise me" and just make me something with Tequila, and I am yet to be disappointed!  They always use seasonal ingredients and concoct something delicious. 









The dim lighting and sectioned off booths create a very intimate atmosphere.  It's not a bad place to grab a drink after a date or with a group of friends.  Across from the bar it this amazing wall of Jarritos soda bottles back lit with neon colors (great photo op-just sayin). It's not a bad place to grab a drink after a date or with a group of friends.

 105 Rivington St New York, NY 10002

http://www.hotelonrivington.com/Food-Drink/Viktor-and-Spoils

http://www.menupages.com/restaurants/viktor-spoils/menu

Bauble Bar

Ok, if you live in New York City and haven't yet visited the Bauble Bar Showroom then shame on you!  It is such a wonderful little place I can't get enough.  The concept is so adorable, it's a small showroom full of jewels as well as a little bar with wine and cheese!  I mean seriously, what could be better?



I stopped by this week and they have started this fun little Bingo card where you can fill out spots by doing things like tweeting, checking in, and of course purchasing.  What a fun idea and a great way to generate buzz.


The prices are so reasonable and the pieces are SO cute I think everyone I know will be getting a piece of jewelry from the Bauble Bar this season.

The showroom is open until 8:00 pm Monday-Friday so it's a great pit stop after work on your way to happy hour.  And considering they serve wine it will get your night started right!

230 Fifth Ave Suite 610 at 28th Street

http://www.baublebar.com/

http://blog.baublebar.com/

J Crew Sample Sale

What's better than spending your lunch break at the J Crew Sample Sale? In my opinion, nothing!  It's always a little crowded and a little picked over but COMPLETELY worth going.  I only waited about 15 minutes in line (could be a personal record). I would say the best selection this time around is the Collection merchandise and the Jewelry.


Check it out at: 260 Fifth Ave Cross Street 28th St









Thanks to Alexis for keeping me in the loop on everything J Crew! http://jcrewaficionada.blogspot.com/2012/11/jcrew-sample-sale-in-nyc-starts-today.html

The Gift of Glasses

A few weeks ago I finally got around to trying out Warby Parker.  In case you haven't heard of this amazing place, it is a Eye Wear Supplier that offers an amazing service where you can have 5 pairs of glasses sent to you for free!

This is a perfect service for the busy New Yorker on the go who doesn't have time to try-on glasses.  I picked out 5 frames that I liked and within a few days they arrived at my office.  I picked my favorite and just a few short weeks later my very own pair arrived!  I ended up with Thatcher but Winston was a close second.  At only $95 a pop I may have to grab another pair.



Given that it is the Holiday Season I have been brainstorming some good gift ideas.  What's better than glasses?  I can't count how many times people have complimented me on my glasses (my life is so hard) and said how they have been meaning to get a pair.  Well now they can do it, with a Gift Card!



Warby Parker Headquarters 295 Lafayette St Suite 501

888-492-7297

http://www.warbyparker.com/

New Sunday Hot Spot

If you are a fan of the original Ainsworth on 26th street then you will love their new location on 18th and Park Ave.  Ainsworth Park is the new Sunday Hot Spot. If you are like me and "watching sports" really entails drinking and socializing then you will fit right in.  It's more of a see-and-be-seen atmosphere than anything else. Don't be surprised if there is a line outside but bat your lashes once or twice and you'll get right in.

Bottle service is the prefer way to really enjoy this place (duh). And if your feeling like a little nosh to soak up your Sunday buzz the food is actually really good! I recommend the Pulled Pork Sliders with a side of Truffle Fries. And for those trying to watch their waistline the Chopped Vegetable Salad with Shrimp is excellent.



Long story short Ainsworth Park is a no brainier for the after brunch crowd. Enjoy!

212-673-2467

111 E 18th Street New York, NY 10003

http://www.ainsworthnyc.com/index.htm

The Monster Cycle

I have recently developed a passion (read: complete obsession) for Equinox. It is really the only acceptable place to have a gym membership to in NYC. In my opinion the classes are really what make the experience.




Recently one of my favorites has been The Monster Cycle with Michael Macneal.  There are many reasons why I am loving this class.  First of all Michael is gorgeous, (gay of course, just my luck) the classes are always full so I am inspired to push myself as hard as possible, and the music.  I love love love the music.  His whole thing is about the beat of the song and pedaling in sync with the songs he picks.  He also posts all the playlists online! http://www.themonstercycle.com/Playlist.html


If you happen to be an all access member, which obviously you should be, you can catch the Monster Cycle at multiple locations in the city.


Enjoy and remember, it's not fitness it's life!

http://www.themonstercycle.com/

El Toro Blanco

This past week I had the pleasure of attending a friend's Birthday Dinner at El Toro Blanco in the West Village.  It was the perfect atmosphere for a small group to gather to eat, drink, and celebrate.  Dim lighting and a nice looking crowd are always elements to a winning ambiance in my book. Located near the corner of Houston and Sixth Avenue it is a convenient starting point for a night out.


All the food was fantastic!  I will note that sharing is highly encouraged by the waitstaff so we felt the need to cooperate. Although at first we were a little put off by how many times our waitress recommend we order more to share we understood when we saw the portion sizes. Everything is tasty but nothing is over-sized. Some of the menu highlights were the guacamole, (we went spicy and didn't regret it!) the tuna tacos, and the lobster ceviche.

The cocktails were another highlight.  I went with the Mrs. Margartia Sames and was very pleased.  Others at my table enjoyed the Leon Trotsky, the Michelada Oaxaca, and the Jicama Fig and all were crowd pleasers.



Overall I give this place 5 stars and would certainly recommend it!





257 Sixth Ave New York, NY 10014

212-645-0193

http://eltoroblanco.tumblr.com/